ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Rugby is a sport characterized by high and low intensity motor action. Therefore, the respiratory muscles need adequate work to maintain sustained effective breathing.
Objective:
To analyze the effects of high-intensity inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in amateur rugby players from the city of Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Methods:
This is a clinical study in which 20 amateur players underwent a pulmonary function test, respiratory muscle strength and physical capacity assessment. The participants were divided into two groups: 10 volunteers in the IMT group (G1) and 10 in the control group (G2). All the assessments were carried out before and after 12 weeks of IMT.
Results:
No significant changes were observed in the pulmonary function test. However, maximal voluntary ventilation, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure and distance increased significantly after IMT.
Conclusion:
IMT had beneficial effects on amateur rugby players. Level of evidence I; Therapeutic studies - Investigation of treatment results.
Keywords:
Rugby; Physical endurance; Resistance training; Athletes
